Don't Get Catfished! Overcoming Obstacles

Have you been frustrated or overwhelmed with an obstacle or dilemma? Are you struggling to take the next step due to fear or lack of hope that there is a solution? Have you ever thought that obstacles are actually good? An athlete usually performs his/her best when they are against a great opponent. When I am preparing for a presentation, I always think about all the opposing arguments which helps me build a better presentation. A fighter trains harder when they are against a great opponent. Obstacles are also where ingenuity and innovation stems. Obstacles help us to become sharper, stronger, more convicted in our beliefs, exude passion and help us progress faster.

This is also found in the bible. The Israelites were slaves to the Egyptians for 100’s of years. God told Moses to go to Pharaoh and tell him to let the Israelites go! (Exodus 8:1) God did not give Moses all the details though. (He does that a lot – He wants us to act in faith.) God did not mention that Pharaoh would want to kill him and the Israelites. On top of that, God hardened Pharaohs heart to the Israelites. (Exodus 9:12) Why would he do that? Why would he create an obstacle? He could have just made it easy.

I sometimes listen to a pastor named T.D Jakes. He is originally from West Virginia, where I am from, and grew up poor overcoming many obstacles. He told a story about cod. I promise this has a point. Before everyone ate Salmon, the popular fish was cod. People in the west wanted cod, but it had to be shipped from the east coast. The cod was shipped by trains on ice in order to keep it fresh; however, the fish texture and taste was not good. They decided to ship the cod alive in large tanks; however, when they shipped it, the cod still did not have the right texture or taste. This made sense for the dead cod, but why the live fresh cod? They finally placed a catfish in the tank. Catfish are natural enemies to cod. With a catfish in the tank, the fish stayed fresh and maintained their taste. They needed the obstacles to maintain their texture and freshness. We also need obstacles.

Back to Pharaoh…Even after Pharaoh let the Israelites go, he chased them with his finest chariots. Can you imagine what the Israelites were thinking! They were backed up to the Red Sea with Pharaoh’s armies pounding the ground on their heels. Then God sent a wind through Moses’ faith of lifting his staff, and the Red Sea created a separation with large walls of water on either side. Let’s pause a minute, God gifted Moses with a staff as a weapon. Not a mighty sword…a stick?!? God gave him a gift that appeared to be weak, but held the power to demolish 600+ Egyptians. If it was a sword, Pharaoh would have taken it from him already, but why would Pharaoh care about a big stick? God gave you gifts too. You may think that the gift is useless, but if God can make this kind of power from a stick, what can He do with you. I never thought I would have the family I have or the job I get to do. I have been in meetings with executives and felt I did not belong many times. I did not feel as smart, strong, experienced, but God put me there and I just have to trust He knows what he is doing. In our weakness, He is strong. Our weakness allows God’s glory to shine through. (I let it shine. ;)

God did make a way, but imagine you are with your family and their life is your responsibility. You are with the people you love and you are about to walk them through a sea of hurricane waves on either side of you. What if the water closes in when you are half way through? The sound of rushing water and wind had to be overwhelming. I can’t imagine how scared they were, but they had faith and moved forward. What would happen if God did not harden Pharaoh’s heart? We would have never seen God’s Glory. The people would not have their new found faith and trust in God to completely rely on Him afterwards.

We have to keep moving.

Are you afraid? Keep going.

Are you frustrated? Keep going.

Have you been told no over and over? Keep going.

Do you feel weak? Keep going.

Are the obstacles too big? Keep going.

Have you had a set back? Keep going.

Have you failed? Get up, brush yourself off, and keep going. God knows everything. He already knew it was going to happen. You did not disappoint Him or surprise him. Keep going.

Is there a catfish in your tank? Keep going!

God is there. We do not understand, but God does. He says in John 13:7, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will know.” God requires faith. If you have not heard from God for a while, just keep moving forward on the last thing you heard and keep praying and reading your bible! You will understand soon.

Jesus said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Now turn around and look that catfish square in the eye, and let him know….you are coming and he better watch out. God’s got this!

Have a great week! Share and subscribe!

Love,

Crystal